Apologies for falling behind on Gothloli of the Week! Amazingly, 100 people have been featured since this blog’s inception. Let’s now widen the net a little… and re-name this feature “Gothloli & Jrock Inspiration.” Meaning I’d love to showcase boys and girls who rock Visual Kei and Harajuku street style — whether it’s decora, kawaii, gyaru, or a mix of everything. Ready to share your story? Email me your answers to the questions below, and at least 3 high-res photos.

† Name: Rose
† Age: 22
† Location: Sechelt, BC, Canada
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita/Harajuku/Visual Kei fashion?
I don’t quite remember how I found it, but for sure it was through the internet. I think I was about 11 or 12 when I got interested, and I’ve always worn Lolita style on and off ever since.
† What do you find appealing about the style and culture?
I’ve always loved cute styles, and I like that I can work Lolita in with whatever other style I’m into at the time, whether it’s punk, gyaru, or whatever else my current obsession is! I’ve been in love with antiques and Victorian culture/style forever, and I like how all the Lolita styles have a bit of a Victorian influence. To me it’s a style that requires a bit of class, and I think Lolitas should always have good manners, which is something that I think is important in everyday life.

† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita Punk clothing brands?
Alice and the Pirates, Antique Beast, Sex Pot Revenge, Putumayo, Moi-meme-Moitie, BTSSB, but I love items from many other brands, and like to make my own crazy styles. I also have a huge obsession with Suppurate System.
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
I think my first inspiration was Kana, I thought she was the cutest! But when it comes to decor and that sort if thing, I read everything I can about Victorian decorating. Also, I’m into taxidermy, and when I see animals, it sounds weird but they inspired many of my creations. For tips I think I would say, just do whatever you like, I never consider what other people will think of what I am wearing, if I like it, even if I’m the only one, thats enough for me, you have to be happy in what you wear. I think that’s what makes a person look good, if you can tell they are happy with themselves.

Film of the Week: The Girl Who Played With Fire (Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist). The take-no-prisoners Goth computer hacker is back! I haven’t read the novels by Sweden’s Steig Larsson but loved the first film, Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. The sequel takes the already-brutal story to a darker and bloodier place. Lisbeth Salander (Rapace) returns to Sweden and is promptly pinned for murder. Who’s after her, and how’s the plan linked to a sex trafficking ring? A blond tank of a hitman and her long-gone father add fuel to the fire. The characterization is refreshingly atypical; instead of a Hollywood damsel in distress, you get a (half?) Asian lesbian lover who fights back. Rapace is a fierce actress throughout, but she’s at her best when she wears Goth clown makeup and tortures a sex pig — that’s the way to do it! The film is in theaters now; thanks to Alliance Films for the preview passes.

Introducing Harajuku Freak, an online purveyor of exclusive, one-off Japanese designer clothing. As many of you know, it’s near-impossible to find cutting-edge Japanese brand labels outside of the country. “So, due to our love of all things different and ahead-of-the-game, and to stop fashion freaks like ourselves having to travel across the globe to get their fix, we have hand picked the most interesting, luxurious and avant-garde labels making waves, and brought them to you.” (These names include Izreel, Motonari Ono, Akira Naka…)

The store is slashing all prices about 60% – so you’re only paying wholesale plus sales tax. And delivery is free worldwide. That’s an incredible deal for cutting-edge clothing you can’t find outside of Japan! Come browse the Japanese men’s and women’s designer clothing on Harajuku Freak’s site before it’s gone.

If you would like to be featured as “Gothloli & Jrock Inspiration,” please email me your answers to the questions above, and at least 3 high-res photos. For Gothic Lolita Punk shopping guides and online stores, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

The next time you buy from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by shopping via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).

† Name: Jeanette
† Age: 21
† Location: Wauwatosa, WI
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I found out about the fashion in my later teens looking through various street fashion magazines and fell more and more in love with it until finally I started wearing them myself. Now I co-admin for the Milwaukee Lolita Society!
† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
It is beauty. It is a fashion that proves you can be gorgeous and turn all eyes your way without having to bare your chest or wear miniskirts. On top of that, the outfits are so flattering on a variety of body types. Anyone can feel beautiful wearing them! As far as the culture, you feel like a princess. You can be charming and refined and live your life in a completely separate way from how normal life day-to day is. Unless of course you have already made that jump in your lifestyle!
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
I have yet to purchase any hugely recognizable label. I do a lot of eBay shopping for more unique dresses that not every other Lolita will have. They also can be custom-made to your measurements! Otherwise I have a vast amount of my wardrobe from Bodyline and get accessories from Forever 21. It’s how you look in the end that matters to me.
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
Keep an eye open anywhere you shop for pieces you can mix and match with your existing Lolita wardrobe. Also, experiment with different color schemes and combinations. It will keep the fashion fun and exciting. As well, never be afraid to bring friends into the fashion with you. For me, there’s not a lot out there that’s more fun than walking the malls and parks in Lolita with friends.

Film of the Week: Gothic & Lolita Psycho! The trailer has just been released and oh my petticoats. “The film stars actress and gravure idol Rina Akiyama as Yuki, a girl who lives at home in peace until one day a unit of assassins breaks in and slaughters her mother. In order to reveal the truth behind the seemingly senseless murder, Yuki transforms herself into a demon of vengeance by donning Gothic Lolita clothing, wielding a parasol as a deadly weapon, and executing the guilty in the name of God.” Yoshihiro Nishimura (Tokyo Gore Police makeup director) is on board, so you can expect tons of blood and splatter. If you haven’t seen TGP or Vampire Girl vs. Werewolf Girl, get on Netflix immediately! (You can read Comte de Sang’s review of the latter film here.)

Wahhh! CSN Stores sent my slightly pudgy Scottish Fold cat a giant, rectangular parcel!

What could be inside? The possibilities are endless. CSN has over 200 chic stores with everything you need in life… whether it’s a bathroom vanity, cookware or designer pet accessories. (Hmm, there’s a pawprint on the box…)

Basil Farrow is giving me “the look” so I better open it up… Come back to my blog tomorrow to see the amazing item my kitty received! I can already tell you, it’s too cute for words…

Til then, you can see photos of my son on his blog, Facebook and YouTube.

PS: My latest CNNGo piece is 10 avantgarde performances that make you go ‘huh?’ (featuring Hanakengo from Tokyo Decadance). You can read 100+ of my CNNGo articles here.

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

The next time you buy from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by shopping via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).

† Name: Samanteina Bloodmyer
† Age: 19
† Location: England
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
I grew up with Japan. My grandmama *rest her soul* and Mother raised me with a Japanese culture. My mother dressed me in Gothic Lolita dresses and my grandmama taught me about geishas and Japanese history. I myself dress mostly Sweet Lolita but do dress Gothic Lolita when I attend more formal events.

† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
To look like a doll or princess daily. I admire the courage and guts people have to be a lolita, as I myself am one in England and in England its very difficult to be yourself without a lot of criticism. And of course I adore dresses.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
Moi-meme-Moitie / Angelic Pretty / Metamorphose / Secret Garden / Baby the Stars Shine Bright / Original designs (self made)
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
Don’t be afraid to be who you are. Some of you may be Lolita, other may be VK to normal, but whatever you choose to do to express yourself follow your heart and stay happy. For love truly makes the world go round!

Wahh some fabulous news… I’m staying in Tokyo a bit longer… to host a CNN TV special! As you probably know, I write for CNNGo (my recent article made the CNNi front page, above). A CNN International producer asked me to take part in a new TV program, which explores pff-the-beaten-path aspects of Asia’s major cities. (There’s a preview of the Shanghai episode online.)

So I’ll be in the Tokyo CNN show… interviewing Japanese Goth designer Kenzo-A! (Above, with Kanae and me at Midnight Mess.) Kenzo-A is the mastermind behind Stigmata and now his own brand Rituals, sold in Kera Arena (Marui One) and other major stores. We’ll chat about Japan’s Gothic/underground culture, and then CNN will film his fashion show — which features EBM/Goth DJs and Visual Kei band MUCC.

SO excited that CNN will bring Tokyo’s vibrant Gothic and Visual Kei cultures to a larger audience… I’ll have photos and updates for you. The program will air 4-6 times in mid-June on CNN International, and then will be posted online.

Some Basil Farrow photos, since I miss my Scottish Fold. He’s doing well at home. Charming the pants off his grandparents and their friends.

That’s the major downside of travelling: no furry stomach to rub when you come home. All of Tokyo’s cat cafes have at least one fold-eared kitty, but none of them are as soft, round or earless as my baby…

There’s a whole lot more Basil Farrow on his blog, Facebook (add him!) and YouTube.

More French TV filming this week, followed by the CNN show. My Andrew Zimmern Bizarre Foods episode airs next next Monday, I believe. I’m loving this recent TV work. Let’s hope the cameras keep rolling!

Have you seen Kenzo-A’s Gothic fashion designs?

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

If you ever buy from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by shopping via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).

† Name: Cyril Lumboy
† Age: 20
† Location: Makati City, Metro Manila, Philippines
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
It has been two years ago since I searched the Net for a French maid outfit for a class when I stumbled upon the website of Baby the Stars Shine Bright. As I could not purchase the extravagant elegance of the shop’s apparel, I decided to make my own accessories. Currently, I am now able to make my own dresses and be truly a Lolita.

† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
It is the sophisticated femininity of the style that made me fall in love with it. Moreover, as I make my own pieces, GL fashion has become the most fulfilling way of expressing myself.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
I currently do not own any branded pieces but I would love to have a dress from Victorian Maiden.
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
I thank my team for inspiring me to do my best. The Lolita shoots I have with my photographer friends China Mungcal and Czarina Gonzales and co-models Louise Anne Manuel and Camila Bastillo, have truly helped me grow both as a designer and Lolita. Lastly, I am happy that I have my Love, Enteng Olivares, to support me all in this. Indeed, it is being with people who share the same interest that really pushes someone to do one’s best!

Photos above by Chai Mungal. You can see more of her gorgeous photography on her website and in these posts: Gothic Lolita wedding and Fairy Kei photoshoots.

Film of the Week #48: The Magnificent Butcher (directed by Yuen Woo-Ping, starring Sammo Hung.) I adore 1970s Hong Kong kung fu movies. If you did a whiskey shot every time someone said “ai-yah” — or every time there was a quick camera zoom into the face — you’d be drunk by the end of the first fight sequence. Director Yuen Woo-Ping and fighter Sammo Hung bring out the best in martial arts comedy. The Magnificent Butcher has fast footwork and silly set ups: such as a battle between two masters using calligraphy brushes, and a fight between Sammo and a cat-man, maooo!

Japanese robots have been stirring discussion lately, most recently a “dental patient” android to help aspiring dentists. Modern robots tend to be of the “Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto” variety: helpful and harmless-looking, usually with round contours and a kawaii face. (“With parts made in Japan,” right?)

Fuzzy robot toys and pets have also hit the market. Above: a cheeping chick, teddy bear, and waddling winking penguin that hooks up to social networks. (You can purchase many of these novelty bots from Robot Shop.)

Domestic robots may be puttering around households soon. Inventors have programmed humanoids to cook, clean and do laundry. (There are videos in my CNNGo article about robot chefs in Asia.

What do you think of Japan’s robots? Cute and helpful, or could they snap and turn evil?

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

If you ever buy from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by shopping via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).

† Name: Jackie Mills (明美)
† Age: Year of the tiger ;)
† Location: Toronto, Ontario
† How were you introduced to Gothic Lolita fashion?
It came from many places: love for manga, Visual Kei (Mana) and Japanese culture.

† What do you find appealing about GL style and culture?
I wear Lolita because I like the modesty and frills. I wore Gothic for a long time but only Gothic Lolita can give you that real sense of cuteness. As I fell in love with the style more, I began to wear Sweet as well. I love all the styles and how they have their own influences and ideals.
† What are your favorite Gothic Lolita clothing brands?
My favourite brands have to be Baby the Stars Shine bright and Angelic Pretty, but I have a love like no other for Mana’s brand Moi-meme-moitie (if only the prices were a bit cheaper).
† Any other comments (inspiration, tips, favorites)?
A lot of Lolita girls forget this… but you don’t have to fit into the style, the style fits around you. Lolita is another forum of clothing in which to express yourself; don’t let the “rules” design it for you! I love to talk to others interested in Lolita and Gothic fashions so keep in touch (my links are above).

Film of the Week #47: The Great Happiness Space: Tale of an Osaka Love Thief (directed by Jake Clennell.) Oh you elusive, big-haired host boys! They accost you in the streets and try to nudge you into their dim clubs… to do what inside? This riveting documentary takes you into Rokkyu — one of Osaka’s top host clubs — and the lives of the pretty-boys who whisper sweet nothings to their customers as they open up yet another bottle of champagne.

From the start, you’ll be riveted by the techniques the boys use to string clients along: false displays of love, transparent promises. But there are twists in these bizarre relationships: who are these girls, where do they get the spending money, and are they as deluded as you initially think? The cinematography and pacing in Great Happiness Space are flawless; I hope you’ll watch it and tell me what you think! (You can get the DVD on Amazon or see it on Netflix.)

Wow, what a bunch of pricks! It’s no April Fools joke: the photos are from the Kanamara Matsuri (Festival of the Steel Phallus かなまら祭り) held last weekend. As Dlisted put it, “the small Japanese town of Kawasaki transformed their streets into looking like Gay Al Reynold’s boudoir on a hot summer night.” The bizarre tradition is centered around a penis-venerating shrine once popular among prostitutes who prayed for protection against STDs. Today, the festival is a kitschy tourist draw that raises money for HIV research. The gods would be pleased. (Photos from Dlisted, my favorite gossip blog.)

A new CNNGo article for you: Asia’s 5 most awesome live video streams. Food drooling babies, lazy cats and teen guitarists!

If you would like to be the next Gothloli of the Week, please read the submission instructions here. For all your Lolita shopping needs, check out the links to clothing brands on the right column of my blog.

If you ever buy from Amazon.com, may I ask you to please consider supporting this blog by shopping via my site? Just click here and search for whatever you want from Amazon (there are no extra costs to you).

Thanks so much and please keep in touch (I love hearing from you and try to respond to everyone): RSS feed, posts in your inbox, MySpace, Facebook Group, Facebook Fan page, Twitter, YouTube, Bloglovin and Google Friend Connect (right sidebar of my blog).